Emulsifying mill



4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTUR 77?. 14./ z'zo v RNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1939 M. w. DITTO EMULSIFYING MILL Filed March 18, 1938 Allg- 1.5, 1939 M. w. DITTo .2,169,338

EMULSIFYING MILL 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 18, 1938 Aug. 15, 1939 M, W, Dri-T0 2,169,338

EMULS IFYING MILL il'ed March 18, 193e 4 sheets-sheets c 7 v zl" 4 f ,Q5

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, 'r j j 1X1 6.* l l 72 IAWEIV'TOR.4 77?. M4 ,57121210 Aug. 15, 1939 M. w'. DrrTo 2,169,338

' EMULSIFYING MILL y Filed March 18, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4Vv 20e ff @5. @.9 fa.

1.5 J @Page g? 156 INVEN Ratented Aug. 15, 1939 UNITED STATES4 PATENT OFFICE EMULSIFYING MILL Marvin w. Dm, New York, N.'Y., signor to Gas Fuel Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware This invention relates to improvements inemulsifying mills and more particularly to a novel emulsifying mill of the rotary type.

The primary purpose of the invention is to 5 provide an emulsifying mill adapted to emulsify various mixtures of liquids to such an extent that the resulting emulsion will resist separation by reaction such as centrifugal force, static settling and freezing. f

1o' A'further object is to supply a mill capable of making emulsions which to all intents and purposes are permanent in-nature.

A further object is to furnish a mill adapted, if oil and water areused in making a compound,

l5 to finely disperse the water throughout the oil mass so that it becomes located within the oil and becomes a permanent emulsion due to the iineness of the dispersion.

With the foregoing objects outlined and with n other objects in view which rwill appear as th description proceeds, the invention consists in the novel features hereinafter described in detail, illustrated in the accompanying drawings,` and more particularly pointed out inl the apn pended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diametrical longitudinal sectional view of my improved mill, partly in elevation.

Fig` 2 is an elevation of one end of the same.

30 Fig. 3 is ,a similar view ofthe opposite end of the same.

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a detail on the line 35 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an elevation of one of the rotary amalgamating discs of the mill.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the same.

Fig. 8 is'an elevation of one of the stationary o amalgamating'discs of the machine.

Fig. 9 is a diametrical sectional view of the same on the line 3-9 of Fig. 8. v

Fig. 10 is an elevation of one of the rotary agitating wheels or elements of the mill.

' same taken on the line II-II of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is an elevation of" one of the stationary agitating discs or elements of the mill.

Fig. 13 is a diametrieal sectional view of the 5o same on the line I 3-I3 of Fig. 12.

Referring to the drawings, I designates a cylindrical shell or cylinder, closed at one end by an end member or plate 2, and at the opposite end by an end member or plate 3. The parts 2 and .ss 3 are respectively provided with external exten- Flg. 11 is a diametrical sectional view of the gamating element have their slots arranged opconnected to an end Ba of the shaft which projects through the bearing 4.

The plate 2 forms the inlet end of the chamber, and agitating wheels 1 are keyed on the 10 shaft 6 to treat or act upon the entering materials. Each of these wheels, as best shown in Figs. 10 and 11, forms a multiplicity of radiating blades 'la which functionto cut and agitate the materials as they travel through the casing into l5 the outlet end member 3 of the same.

The wheels 1 are spaced apart by any suitable means, such as collars 1b and in between the bladed wheels, I arrange stationary agitating wheels or discs I3. As best shown in Figs. 12 and 13, each of these discs consists of a peripheral ring l3a fromwhich a number of spaced stationary blades I3b extend radially inward toward the shaft 6. The rings I3a are notched at the circumferences as shown at I5 to receive splines I5b (Fig. 4) which function to key them to the casing or shell I.

Spacing rings I 3c are arranged in the shell between the rings I 3a and serve to space the wheels I3 slightly apart to accommodate the movement of the bladed wheels 1.

A v number of spaced rotary amalgamatlng wheels or elements 8 are also splined on the shafts between the series of bladed wheels 1 and the outlet plate 3, and each of the rotary amalgamating wheels, as best shown in Figs. 1, 5, 6 and 7, preferably consists of a pair of discs 8a and 3b, arranged side by side and in contacting relation. Each disc has a hub portion 8c splined on the shaft 6, and each disc has a seriesof slots 3d extending therethrough from one of ,its faces to its opposite face. 'I'he slots of each disc extend radially thereof and the walls of the slots of each disc are parallel and inclined relatively to the axis of the shaft l. The two discs of each amalpeslte to one another, as best shown in Fig. "I, so as to form V-shaped e'ways le. if prefer to arrange radial ports 3f at the outer end of each oi' these passageways and between the ports, I provide the peripheries ofeach disc with scooping teeth 3g to cause liquid at the circumferences of the discs to be forced by the movement of the teeth through the ports 3l and into the passageways le.

'I'he pairs of discs forming the rotary amalgamating elements are spaced apart by -collars II arranged on the shaft 6, and the intervening spaces are occupied by stationary amalgamating elements 20. Each of these elements (Figs. 8 and 9) consists of a pair of discs 20a and 20h each provided at its center with a hole 20c to accommodate the collars II. Radially disposed slots 20d are provided in each of the stationary discs and extend from the central hole to a peripheral ring 20e which has peripheral notches 2|, 22, 23 and 24 to receive the splines I5b used in securing the stationary discs against movement. 'I'he walls of each of the slots 20d are also parallel and arranged at inclinations relatively to the axis of the shaft 6 and the discs forming each pair have their slots opposed to one another in order to provide V-shaped passageways 20f (Fig. 5) extending through each pair of the discs 20a, 20h.

Spacing rings 20g are arranged between the pairs of stationary amalgamating discs to space them properly to accommodate the rotatable amalgamating discs 8.

The plate 2 (Fig. l) is provided with an inlet passageway 2b which may receive water (Fig. 3) through an intake 3|, oil through an intake 32 and a gas, such as air through the intake 33.

While the substances admitted through the plate 2 are passing through the mill and after they have been violently agitated and mixed by means of the members 'I and I3, they may be admixed with any desired uid which enters the casing through an inlet port (Fig. l) which may be arranged at an intermediate point in the amalgamating section of the mill.

The emulsion is discharged through passageways 35 in the outlet plate 3 which communicate withoutlets 36 and 3T from which the emulsion may be conveyedi'to any suitable place of storage or use.

Under some circumstances, while the emulsion is being manufactured, it is desirable to heat or cool the same, and in order to provide for this, I arrange a jacket 25 around the shell and furnish it with an intake nipple 25a and an outlet nipple 25h.

The ends of the shell and the end plates are provided with apertured flanges 40 designed to accommodate bolts 44 used in tightly connecting these parts. The anges of the shell may be provided with apertured ears 40a and 4I to accommodate any suitable means employed in naintaining the mill either vertically or horizonally.

Each end plate is preferably provided with suitable packing means 9, I0 to prevent iiuid from discharging along the shaft 6.

In operation the materials treated are fed through the plate 2 under high superatmospheric pressures, and the shaft Ii, bladed wheels 'I and amalgamating wheels 8 are rotated at high speeds. As the result of the rotary motion, the members 'I and I3 mix the liquids passing through the machine due to turbulence, or impact, and as the liquids progress further toward the plate 3. they are forced to pass through the amalgamating elements 20 and 8. Due to the high speed 0f the members 8 rotating between the elements 20; and the slots in the members 8 being disposed in opposite directions to the slots in the members 20, they impart a very high degree of impact and the reaction of sub-division which is regulated and controlled by the number of R. P. M. of shaft 6.

I believe my mill is unique in construction compared to mills now in use for the purpose of producing emulsied mixtures of oil and water or other emulsions or colloidal mixtures, such as paints, lacquers, etc., in that there are no gears or points of friction between the metal surfaces within the casing. All of the members are so disposed that there is clearance between surfaces and the compound for mixing is dependent upon force expended by motion of rotating members between the stationary members. As this type of mill is used primarily for dispersion of one liquid within another, such as two different types of oils, or oil and water, the problem is one of dispersion. The means used in the commonly known colloidal mills depends largely on friction between two surfaces or the rubbing action plus centrifugal force where through-put is small and power concentration high. My mill is able to impart extremely fine dispersion and very high out-put with extremely low power input. Due to the construction, there is a minimum of wear because there is no actual friction between surfaces, and dispersing members are self lubricated due to the fact that they are being rotated within a liquid medium being dispersed by the action imparted by the mill.

The members 1 and I3 act as mixing elements and the members 8 and 20, due to the unique construction of their slots, act as amalgamating elements so that in the instant where oil and water are used, the water is so finely dispersed throughout the loil mass that it is locked within the oil and becomes a permanent emulsion because of the flneness of the dispersion. I have found that mixtures put through a mill of the type disclosed, resist separation by reaction, such as centrifugal force, static settling and freezing. As a matter of fact, the water as a rule, can only be separated by a process of distillation. To all intent and purpose, the emulsions are permanent in nature and permit utilization of emulsions in processes demanding such compounds.

For ease in assembling and maintenance, the casing I is preferably formed of two castings Ia and Ib (Fig. 4), each of which has a longitudinally extending apertured flange Ic; these flanges being rigidly secured together by bolts 43 or the like. In reference to the speed of such a mill, it is evident that the shaft 6 can be rotated up to the stress limit of the metals used in the construction, and any speed from 0 to 3000 R. P. M. is possible with this type of construction, the speed being limited only to the capacity of the bearings and the stress of the shaft resulting from centrifugal force at the outer perimeter of the members I and 8.

Generally it is found that emulsion takes place more efficiently under pressure above atmospheric, and therefore I do not limit myself to any particular pressure during the emulsifying action. I have found that satisfactory results can be obtained at pressures from 100 to 6000 pounds pounds per square inch, depending upon the type of materials used and the character of the emulsion required.

For convenience in claiming the present invention, I will refer in the claims to the section of the machine which includes the members I and I3, as the agitating section, and the portion which includes the members 8 and 20 as the amalgamating, section.

The herein described and illustrated embodiment has given satisfactory resultsand it will be manifest to those skilled in the art, after an understanding of the invention, that other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that all matters contained in the above description or illustrated in the drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What I claim and desire to'secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted onA the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and thel outlet end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each arnalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough.

2. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the op- 40 posite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section be- 50 tween the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being ar- 55 ranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, and spacing collars mounted on the shaft between the rotatable agitating elements.

3. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder the agitating section andthe outlet end of the cylinder, stationary amalgamating elements arranged inthe amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, and spacing rings arranged in the cylinder between the stationary agitating elements.

4. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said'cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating. elements arranged in the agitating section and having.

their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements. rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamatingelements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, and spacing collars arranged on the shaft between the rotatable amalgamating elements.

5. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, and spacing rings arranged in the casing between the stationary amalgamating elements.

6. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollowI cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements ,arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides inclose proximity to but spaced i shape.

'7. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinderv being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positloned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, each of said passageways being formed by a radial slot and being of V-shape.

8. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged inthe agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and the outlet\end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, all of said passageways being of V-shape with the points of the V's in the stationary amalgamating elements extending in opposite direction to the point of the Vs in the rotating amalgamating elements. v

9. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially throigh the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shait and arranged in the amalgamating section be'- tween the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, each of the stationary agitating elements consisting of a ring having inwardly extending spaced radially disposed vanes which project toward the shaft.

10. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between theagitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating ele-i ments arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular-passageways extending there'- through, each of the rotatable agitating elements consisting of a hub from which projects a series of radially disposed blades.

11. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comm'ising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, each of the stationa ry amalgamating elements consisting of a pair of discs arranged side by side in contacting relation, each disc having a series of radially' disposed non, the not of the discs communicating with one another and forming the passageways in the stationary amalgamating elements, the passageways formed by the slots of each pair of discs being of V-shape.

12. An emulsifying mill of the character described, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways l extending therethrough, each of the rotatable amalgamating elements consisting of a pair of discs arranged side by side in contacting relation and having radially disposed slots formingthe passageways in the rotatable amalgamating elements, the passageways being of substantially v` shape.v

13. An emulsifying mill of the character den scribed, comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shait extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite endot the cylinder, said cylinder vbeing provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agita elements arranged inthe agitatlng section .hav-

ing their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between,

the agitating section and the'outlet end of the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating-elements arranged in the amalgamating Vsection md pmi..

tioned-between the rotatable amalgamating 'elements, the amalgamating elements being arvranged side by side in clou proximity toone another and leach amalgamating element ,having through the cylinder, means for introducing materialstobetreatedinto oneendoithecylinder, means ,for discharginganemulslonfromtho opposite end of the cylinder, said cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalg'amating section. spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary agitating elements arranged in the agitating section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitatingl section and the outlet end oi the cylinder, and stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamatlng elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, each of the rotatable amalgamating elements consisting of a pair of discs arranged side by side in contacting relation and having radially disposed slots forming the passageways in the rotatable amalgamating elements, the passageways being of substantially V-shape, the peripheries of the discs being provided with teeth.

15. ,An emulsifying mill of the character described. comprising a hollow cylinder having closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing materials to be treated into one end of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite end Aof the cylinderfsaid cylinder being provided with an agitating section and an amalgamating section, spaced rotatable agitating elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the agitating section, stationary a'gitating elements arranged in the agitatlng section and having their opposite sides in close proximity to but spaced from the rotatable elements, rotatable amalgamating' elements mounted on the shaft and arranged in the amalgamating section between the agitating section and the outlet end of the cylinder, stationary amalgamating elements arranged in the amalgamating section and positioned between the rotatable amalgamating elements, the amalgamating elements being arranged side by side in close proximity to one another and each amalgamating element having a series of irregular passageways extending therethrough, and an inlet leading into the amalgamating section of the mill.

16; An emulsifying mill comprising a hollow cylinder having an internal chamber and closed ends, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the cylinder, means for introducing liquids to be treated into one end portion of the cylinder, means for discharging an emulsion from the opposite e'nd portion of the cylinder, spaced stationary amalgamatlng elements arranged in the chamber between the inlet and outlet, each of said elements being of disc-like form and provided with radially disposed slots forming V- shaped passageways therethrough, rotatable amalgamating elements mounted on the shaft in vthe spaces between the stationary amalgamating 

